Srinagar, Mar 20: The holy month of Ramadhan has brought an unwelcome surge of beggars to the streets of Srinagar, Kashmir’s summer capital. Despite repeated pleas from residents, authorities have seemingly turned a blind eye to this growing problem that now sees beggars congregating at traffic signals, markets, and public places – causing major inconvenience.
These beggars, many disguised in traditional Kashmiri attire, have resorted to emotionally manipulating passersby. The exploitation of newborns and young children to tug at clothes and solicit alms has become a particularly distressing trend. Locals have expressed outrage at what they view as authorities’ indifference toward the issue.
Beggars can frequently be seen travelling in small groups that include amputees carrying infants, with older children tasked with collecting money. Many suspect an organized racket is behind the influx, with reports of some groups being ferried in and out of the city each morning and evening.
The exploitation of children in particular has reached an alarming level, residents assert. Authorities, however, seem to be making initial efforts to tackle the issue. An official from the Social Welfare Department stated they have identified over 500 children primarily engaged in begging across the union territory.
“Efforts are underway to rehabilitate and register these children in shelter homes,” an official said. “We have set up task force committees in different districts identifying and rehabilitating children found in street situations.”
As Ramadhan continues, locals await firmer action to curb the deluge of beggars and protect vulnerable children from exploitation by suspected racketeers.
